Join Panthers’ Charles Tillman in Puttin’ on the Ritz @Peanuttillman

Carolina Panthers All-Pro cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman is one athlete who utilizes his resources to impact the community. Playing 13 years in the NFL,on the field is his patented “Peanut Punch” which has forced 44 fumbles to date.

Tillman’s impact off the football field is just as great. He won the 2013 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his community work in Chicago-area through his Cornerstone Foundation. He played his first 12 years of his career with the Chicago Bears, before signing with the Carolina Panthers this past offseason.

Now, Tillman is bringing one of the cornerstones of his foundation, The Tiana Fund, to Charlotte, where he will support families in need and has partnered with the Carolina Healthcare System’s Levine Children’s Hospital. The Tiana Fund provides assistance to families that are experiencing hardships because of an illness. Family is the operative word here.

To support the expansion of the The Tiana Fund, which already works with eight hospitals in the Chicago area, Tillman and his wife Jackie are hosting a fundraising event, “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” on the evening of January 11th at the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte.

Those attending will have the opportunity to meet Jackie, Tillman, other players from the Carolina Panthers, listen to a live band, bid on auction items and have a formal plated dinner. To learn more and purchase a ticket to attend visit www.charlestillman.org.

“Puttin’ on the Ritz” will be the first of many events Tillman will have to benefit the Charlotte area.

The Tiana Fund (Provided through the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation) provides assistance to economically at-risk persons or families in-need that will strengthen their ability to care for themselves, enhance their stability and security, and improve their quality of life or their ability to contribute to the community. Their applications are in 8 hospitals and social workers nominate the families in need. The Cornerstone Foundation hopes to provide 5,000 copies of The Middle School Rules by Charles Tillman to underserved youth and support The Tiana Fund.